Today we’d like to introduce you to FUTOSHI Wada.
Hi FUTOSHI, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I have been interested in expanding authentic Japanese food in the United States since I moved here from Japan about 30 years ago. Now Japanese food is very popular because of the healthy ingredients and beautiful presentations. Sushi is now deeply saturated in American society and people, and now Japanese Ramen noodles are on track for being loved by everyone. Japanese Ramen noodle restaurants will certainly be in demand and trend in McKinney as well. Therefore, I am confident that my plan to open my Tiger Ramen Noodle Restaurant will be successful. Also, I am excited that I can offer a real Japanese taste restaurant while many other Japanese restaurants are run by restaurant owners who do not know true Japanese food and real taste.
Tiger Ramen offers authentic Japanese menus and healthy vegetarian/vegan menus as well. We care about the quality of the ingredients and we would like to be locally produced food friendly. Also, we offer small popular Japanese dishes, hand rolled sushi, Onigiri(rice balls) and casual alcohol including Japanese brand beer and sake . We import some real Japanese products to offer on our menu.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
t definitely hasn’t been a completely smooth road. Like most restaurant businesses, there have been a lot of learning moments along the way.
One of the biggest ongoing challenges has been recruiting the right people. Finding team members who not only have the right skills but also fit the culture and pace of the restaurant is not easy. Turnover and training take a lot of time and energy, especially when you’re trying to maintain consistency for guests.
Another challenge has been operational costs. Many expenses ended up being higher than I initially expected—whether it’s labor, marketing, or other day-to-day operating expenses. In a restaurant, small changes in cost structure can have a big impact, so it requires constant adjustment and attention.
Lease and landlord negotiations have also been a learning experience. Commercial leasing often comes with terms that are more complex than expected, and balancing long-term commitments with business flexibility has been an important part of the process.
Overall, these challenges have forced me to become more disciplined and strategic. While they’ve been difficult at times, they’ve also helped me better understand how to run a more efficient and sustainable operation.
We’ve been impressed with Iron Ship Corp, but for folks who might not be as familiar, what can you share with them about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Our business is a restaurant focused on delivering high-quality, comforting authentic Japanese food with an emphasis on consistency, speed, and hospitality. We specialize in approachable, flavorful dishes that people can enjoy casually, whether it’s a quick meal, a family dinner
What we are most known for is our attention to consistency and guest experience. In the restaurant industry, it’s easy for quality to vary depending on how busy things get or who is working that day. We’ve worked very hard to build systems and training that ensure guests receive the same experience every time they visit.
What sets us apart is the combination of traditional restaurant hospitality with a more modern, operationally efficient approach. We’ve invested heavily in improving our systems—from ordering flow to kitchen execution to direct customer communication—so that we can serve more people without losing quality or personal touch.
We are also very focused on building a strong direct relationship with our guests, rather than relying only on third-party platforms. That allows us to better understand our customers, improve the experience, and offer more value back to them.
What I’m most proud of is not just the food, but the team and culture we’ve built. Running a restaurant is challenging, and building a stable, reliable team in this industry is not easy. Seeing our team grow, improve, and take pride in their work has been one of the most rewarding parts of the journey.
Ultimately, what I want readers to know is that our brand is built on persistence and continuous improvement. We are not a large corporate operation—we are a hands-on business constantly refining how we serve our community, and we take a lot of pride in that relationship with our guests.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
Over the next 5–10 years, I see the restaurant industry continuing to move toward greater efficiency, transparency, and direct connection with customers. Technology will keep playing a bigger role in operations—from ordering systems to kitchen management—but at the same time, guests will still value authentic, high-quality food and a genuine dining experience more than ever.
From my perspective, one of the biggest ongoing shifts will be the gap between “convenience-focused food” and “true culinary experience.” There will be more competition in fast service and delivery, but also a growing appreciation for restaurants that offer authenticity, consistency, and craftsmanship.
For us specifically, I see a strong opportunity to expand both within Texas and beyond. There are still many markets where real Japanese food—prepared with authenticity and attention to detail—is not widely available. We want to help bring that experience to more communities, not just by opening more locations, but by building a scalable system that maintains quality and integrity as we grow.
Ultimately, the goal is not just expansion for its own sake, but thoughtful growth—making sure that wherever we open, customers can experience the same standard of food and hospitality that defines our brand today.
Pricing:
- $16.99 (Paitan Ramen)
- $16.99 (Chintan Ramen)
- $18.49 (Spicy Miso Ramen)
- $6.99 (Tiger Ramen Onigiri)
- $7.99 (Signature Hamachi Hand Roll)
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.tigerramenjapan.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tigerramenjapan/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61566567375311
Image Credits
Team Tiger Ramen
